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2024 Personalities of the Year

Tricia Watson and David Simpson

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The blogmaster thought to recognise the selfless work done by INTERVENORS in Financial Services Commission (FSC) hearings in Barbados in 2024. From the blogmaster’s research INTERVENORS involvement is voluntary and unpaid except in specific cases where the FSC Commissioners may reimburse certain expenses.

Additionally, in 2024 INTERVENORS played a significant role in creating public awareness and discussion regarding the implementation of the Electricity Supply Act, 2024. There are legitimate concerns the Act encroaches on consumer rights along with financial implication for the cost of energy to individuals and businesses.

We live in times- based on observation- where volunteerism, civic awareness and participation is on the decline, everyone wants to be paid. Given the lack of financial support INTERVENORS receive for performing a highly technical service there are recognised by BARBADOS UNDERGROUND as our personalities of the year for 2024.

Key INTERVENORS of several who participated in FSC rate hearings in 2024 are:

  1. Tricia Watson
  2. David Simpson
  3. Kenneth Went
  4. Trevor Browne

Tricia Watson
Tricia Watson
Trevor Browne –
David Simpson
Kenneth Went
Kenneth Went

On behalf of the Barbados Underground family we extend thanks to all INTERVENORS for your public service which goes largely unrecognised.

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30 responses to “2024 Personalities of the Year”

  1. David Avatar
    David

    The Nation highlighted Judge Greaves and Governor of the Central Bank Greenidge.

    DR KEVIN GREENIDGE AND JUSTICE CARLISLE GREAVES

    Both Governor of the Central Bank Dr Kevin Greenidge and judge of the Supreme Court Justice Carlisle Greaves have distinguished themselves in their respective offices.

    Along with the poise and dignity with which these two men – one an economist, the other a jurist – have executed their assignments, they have also managed to connect with the public in a way that dispels the notion that aloofness must characterise the holders of such office.

    Greenidge has been the face of the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation programme, a plan he helped design and implement, but over the past year, he has become even more familiar in households as one of the key figures in the effort to grow the economy. He has also led the charge to ensure that commercial banks do not impose unreasonable fees on consumers.

    The Governor has been ever-present on social media, utilising Facebook and Instagram in particular to not only educate Barbadians on economic and financial matters, but to inspire the youth through education.

    Members of the public are now even more familiar with the Central Bank and amid several economic challenges, the financial system remains stable and the dollar is safe. Greenidge’s leadership has played a significant role in these achievements.

    Justice Greaves, back home after a highly successful career in Bermuda where he applied his particular brand of work ethics and erased their backlog of cases while also reducing their arrears, has been plugging away at Barbados’ own severely congested system while offering practical recommendations for efficiency. He has at times also offered unsolicited advice to the wayward, even when they are deemed to be some of Barbados’ worst criminals.

    Justice Greaves has done so in a manner that has brought him to the attention of not just his discerning peers, but thrust him into the glare of the public spotlight.

    Both Greenidge and Justice Greaves have endured public scrutiny not just for the job they are doing, but also the way in which they are doing it.

    They both managed to prevail and have gained the confidence of an unrelenting public.

    For the special touch they have brought to the offices they hold these two men are the Nation’s 2024 Personalities Of The Year.

    Source: Nation

  2. David Avatar
    David

    Mixed economic outlook

    by COLVILLE MOUNSEY

    colvillemounsey@nationnews.com

    BARBADOS FACES a complex economic landscape in 2025, according to economist Professor Emeritus Michael Howard and former University of the West Indies (UWI) banking and finance lecturer Jeremy Stephen.

    While both acknowledge the potential for growth, they are concerned about the nation’s debt management, reliance on external factors and the lack of clarity in Government’s financial strategies.

    Stephen anticipates some growth, contingent on the timely execution of Government projects and stabilisation of international factors. Howard, on the other hand, remains wary of the reliance on borrowing and the lack of diversification in the economic base.

    Stephen is forecasting 2025 as “a year of reckoning” for Barbados, influenced by domestic and international dynamics.

    Domestically, he noted the Government’s increasing ambition in taking on debt to fund capital works projects. These initiatives, he added, once operational, could provide a short-term boost to economic growth.

    Stephen underscored the importance of monitoring tourism spending, particularly from long-stay arrivals, to gauge economic health.

    However, he warned that while unemployment might decline slightly, this might not translate into meaningful wage growth as a slowdown in inflation could occur, contingent on international stability. Stephen cautioned that disruptions in global markets could lead to import shortages and heightened costs of living, mirroring challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    On the international front, he pointed to geopolitical instability as a significant risk. With echoes of war and uncertainty surrounding global leadership changes, the economist said any resolution could set the stage for steadier growth. Nevertheless, he tempered expectations, suggesting that Barbados’ growth in 2025 will likely be modest, contingent on stabilising international conditions and effective Government project execution. “Barring the emergence of a compelling industry to drive sustained growth, the Government’s ability to manage its increasing debt will be crucial,” Stephen asserted. “Timely completion of domestic projects could stimulate growth, but the sustainability of this growth remains uncertain.”

    Howard echoed these concerns, focusing on Barbados’ debt levels and the potential long-term implications. Drawing parallels to Jamaica’s prolonged engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) during the 1970s, the retired UWI lecturer warned that Barbados risks falling into a similar debt trap, reliant on borrowing to service existing obligations.

    “Barbados does not earn sufficient foreign exchange and continues to depend on borrowed reserves,” he said. “This creates a precarious situation where the nation’s financial stability hinges on continuous borrowing, without clear returns on investment.”

    Howard expressed apprehension about the lack of transparency regarding the allocation and impact of Government loans. While acknowledging increased activity in construction and tourism development, he questioned whether these efforts were effectively addressing the socio-economic challenges faced by ordinary Barbadians.

    “Food prices, health care costs and other essential services remain high, and many Barbadians feel the strain of these pressures. There is also limited communication from the Government on its economic strategy, leaving citizens uncertain about the country’s direction,” he said.

    Both economists highlighted the role of the IMF in Barbados’ economic trajectory. Howard noted that while the international lending institution has softened its approach in recent years, its primary mandate remains addressing balance of payments crises rather than driving economic development. He said loans provided by the IMF are intended to create fiscal space and improve financial management, rather than to fund unrestricted spending. “Barbados must understand the IMF’s role and align its strategies accordingly,” Howard said.

    He also called for greater public disclosure regarding the reform of state-owned enterprises, including potential job losses and operational changes.

    Source: Nation

  3. David Avatar
    David

    The year in review

    BARBADOS, IN 2024, EMBODIED several dualities, reflecting the tensions inherent in navigating recovery and development within a small island state: growth and inequality; innovation and challenge; and global influence and local focus.

    With robust Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth fuelled by sectors like tourism and construction, the benefits of this expansion were not evenly distributed, exposing deeper socio-economic challenges that demand attention. The intersection of economic policy and social outcomes became a focal point, as Government worked to balance fiscal discipline with investments in education, healthcare, and social protection.

    Up to the third quarter, the economy recorded robust growth of 3.9 per cent, anchored by the revival of its tourism sector, which surged past pre-pandemic levels. Longstay arrivals exceeded expectations and cruise tourism rebounded strongly. The renewed vigour of this sector was not merely economic; it reflected the island’s capacity to adapt and innovate in the face of global uncertainties. The influx of visitors, particularly from the United States, reaffirmed the island’s place as a premier destination while spurring job creation and economic activity. New accommodations and eco-tourism initiatives showcased a nuanced approach to preserving the island’s natural and cultural assets while catering to evolving traveller preferences. Construction, buoyed by hotel developments and infrastructure upgrades, contributed significantly to this recovery, showcasing the Government’s commitment to revitalising the physical and economic landscape.

    At the heart of Barbados’ economic story was its innovative approach to managing debt. The nation made global headlines with its successful execution of the world’s first debt-for-climate swap, unlocking US$$125 million for climate resilience projects. This not only addressed fiscal challenges but underscored Barbados’ leadership in sustainable development, a testament to its ability to turn economic constraints into opportunities for transformative action. Domestically, prudent fiscal management helped lower the debt-to-GDP ratio to 105 per cent, maintaining investor confidence.

    Barbados’ presence on the international stage was nothing short of formidable. Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley continued to champion climate justice and reform of the global financial architecture, articulating the urgent needs of small island developing states at global forums. The debt-for-climate swap became a rallying point for other nations, positioning Barbados as a trailblazer in innovative financial solutions for climate resilience. Within CARICOM, the island remained a key voice for regional integration and collective action, further solidifying its role as a leader in the Caribbean.

    Despite its successes in debt management, fiscal consolidation, while necessary, limited resources for critical areas like education, healthcare and poverty alleviation.

    Moreover, investments in climate resilience offer long-term benefits but will do little to immediately address income disparities. Commitment to debt reduction must be balanced with maintaining public trust, as citizens demand transparency in how resources are managed and allocated.

    The benefits of growth, while real, were unevenly distributed, exposing the limits of a recovery that did not fully address systemic disparities.

    Wealth generated by booming tourism and construction disproportionately benefited large businesses and higher-income groups, with limited trickle-down effects for low-income households. Many workers in these industries, especially in hospitality and construction, faced precarious employment and stagnant wages.

    Barbados also grappled with high costs of living, exacerbating the struggles of vulnerable populations.

    Housing affordability and healthcare gaps remained significant challenges.

    The Government launched initiatives aimed at poverty alleviation and job creation but struggled to match the pace of inequality’s deepening effects.

    Crime presented hurdles, with violent incidents sparking concerns about public safety and social cohesion. This presented both a social and economic cost, as crime undermined community stability and threatened the reputation of a safe destination. Efforts to address these issues included expanded rehabilitation programmes and community policing, underscoring a recognition that economic growth alone cannot solve societal problems.

    The year was a testament to the resilience of the economy and a call to action for an equitable and inclusive future. Economic expansion provided a lifeline for recovery, but the uneven distribution of benefits exposed systemic issues requiring attention.

    Rising violent crime underscored the social costs of economic inequality, presenting a reminder that fiscal sustainability must go hand in hand with social stability.

    Professor Troy Lorde is an economist and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus. Email troy. lorde@cavehill.uwi.edu

    Source: Nation

  4. David Avatar
    David

    Economy ‘lacking innovation boost’

    by SHAWN CUMERBATCH

    shawncumberbatch@nationnews.com

    Barbados must adopt more technological innovations if it wants to reverse lagging productivity and unlock more economic growth.

    That is the assessment of Cloe Ortiz de Mendivil, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) country economist for Barbados.

    “In Barbados, total factor productivity (TFP) is at the same level as two decades ago, and a boost to innovation is necessary to increase growth prospects,” she says in the IDB Caribbean Country Department’s final Caribbean Economics Quarterly for 2024.

    The publication, titled Innovation For Faster Economic Growth In The Caribbean: Are We There Yet?, examines the connection between technological innovation and economic growth in Barbados, The Bahamas, Guyana, Jamaica Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. These are the six IDB member countries covered by the bank’s Caribbean Country Department.

    Downward trend

    The report noted that “TFP, which explains technological progress in an economy, has been a key factor explaining the lack of growth in the region”.

    “The Bahamas has been no exception . . .Bahamian TFP peaked in the 1990s and since then has been slowly decreasing. There is a shared downward trend with Barbados and Jamaica, meaning that a significant part of the region has suffered a decrease in TFP over the last 20 years,” the publication stated.

    In the section on Barbados, de Mendivil concluded that “public policies designed to improve the provision of public services as well as to address the main challenges to engage in innovation . . . such as the skills mismatch in the labour force and access to finance – will help strengthen the enabling environment for innovation”.

    “This will in turn increase productivity, attract investment, and ultimately boost growth in Barbados,” she said.

    The economist explained that “innovation is a key driver of productivity, which in turn determines economic growth”.

    Sluggish

    “TFP refers to the portion of output that cannot be explained by the amount of inputs – typically labour and capital – used in producing such output,” she noted.

    “Therefore, if a country is able to obtain higher outcomes using the same quantity of inputs, it is considered that it has increased its productivity.”

    She observed that “since the global financial crisis of 2008, growth in Barbados has been sluggish and for the most part below the Caribbean average”.

    “Real GDP averaged an annual decrease of 0.9 per cent between 2008 and 2018, and recurrent fiscal deficits led the country to an unsustainable accumulation of debt,” de Mendivil said.

    “In 2018, Barbados embarked on a quest to return to macroeconomic stability by devising the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation Plan, which was supported by an International Monetary Fund programme.

    Despite the unprecedented shock caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the country is committed to the reform agenda, which is starting to bear fruit.”

    She added: “Furthermore, the island’s economic activity revolves heavily around the tourism sector, so boosting innovation becomes central in two salient aspects. First, it can serve to upgrade the tourism offering and ensure that Barbados remains a top-notch destination that is competitive at attracting visitors.

    Creative industries

    “Second, it can help diversify the economy by developing other highvalue industries. The government of Barbados is keen to establish a life science industry, promote the creative industries, develop the blue economy, and accelerate innovation in the agriculture sector.”

    On the question of whether or not businesses in Barbados innovate, de Mendivil referenced the 2024 Global Innovation Index (GII) published by the World Intellectual Property Organisation, which ranked Barbados 77 out of 133 countries.

    This was above Jamaica (79) and Trinidad and Tobago (108), the only other Caribbean economies included in the index. The GII is comprised of multiple indicators grouped into innovation inputs and outputs that aim to capture innovation.

    She compared this with the findings of the Innovation, Firm Performance, and Gender (IFPG) Survey conducted by the Compete Caribbean Partnership Facility in 2020.

    This survey “found that, although more than half of the interviewed companies engage in green innovation, penetration of general and digital innovation remains limited, particularly compared to Caribbean averages.

    She acknowledged that “Barbados has shown a strong commitment to fostering innovation with the establishment of the Ministry of Industry, Innovation, Science, and Technology”.

    Source: Nation

  5. Cuhdear Bajan Avatar
    Cuhdear Bajan

    I thank the intervenors for their service. I am a very modest user of electricity. I paid $698.49 for the year 2024. I line dry clothes, use open windows and fans but not air conditioners, heat water with solar, and cook with gas. For comparison I paid $142.68 for cooking gas, $2483,88 for telecommunications which includes land line, internet and TV, $2402.40 for health insurance.

  6. David Avatar
    David

    A majority of Barbadians take their service for granted.

  7. Harold Morley Avatar
    Harold Morley

    Marvelous efforts by you INTERVENORS. Not ever easy arguing painstaking detail with a belligerent foreign corporate who is used to always getting their way.

    Thank you all so much for effort, skill and tenation

  8. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    2024 could be seen as the year of the Rat as in Mr. Ralph A. Thorne
    Leader of the Opposition and Political Leader of the Democratic Labour Party
    for 6+ months of political drama

  9. Pachamama Avatar
    Pachamama

    Unfortunately, it will have to be RAT who during this year brought the DLP under his leadership. Certainly, in so doing he now has the potential to influence politics for a number of years.

    Certainly, those actions are likely to be vastly more consequential that any number of intervenors making a singular and unremarkable interference with rate hearings, which given all the circumstance, will eventually be a mere horse and pony show in a highly rigged corporate game.

  10. Pachamama Avatar
    Pachamama

    Than, the algos!

  11. Pachamama Avatar
    Pachamama

    From the time this writer was sentient people like Ortiz have been saying the same shiiite about “productivity” and obedient slaves like Cumberbatch have been quoting them as if the words of Jehovah Jirah handed down to a fictional Moses from Mount Sinai.

    Could it be that these servants of empire, like Ortiz, have never considered Barbados to be productive? And never will?

    We wonder how this spokesman from the IDB would rate the American economy where real wages were constant for over three decades.

    Are Americans productive?

    And if they are not, could it be that this spokeman Ortiz and his IDB, are merely running game on us as base entirely on the unfairness of system which allows America, and by extention the IDB, to be a net borrower from Barbados.

  12. BAJE Avatar
    BAJE

    Barbados’ presence on the international stage was nothing short of formidable.

    xxxxxxxxxx

    WHOEVER WROTE THIS GIBBERISH WAS SPEAKING IN A METAPHOR.

  13. Pachamama Avatar
    Pachamama

    See wha uh tell yuh!

    The record for “murderation” is thusly broken. The bookies odds were right!

    Maybe MAM should be the person of the year, based entirely on this “achievement”. LOL!

    Clearly, no other has so achieved.

    This should be interpreted as a leading indicator for the rise in poverty.

  14. The OG Avatar
    The OG

    If not today, when?

    A glorious and prosperous 2025 to all of the inhabitants of BU. May the year be many times more wonderful than you expected.

  15. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    “The bookies odds were right!”
    Re: fiffy dead
    What were the alleged bookies odds?

    FYI Bookies won’t take bets betting on the darkside such as bodycounts as punters would go and pop a few caps off with some headshotz to claim a winning bet
    don’t you know

  16. Terence M Blackett Avatar
    Terence M Blackett

    HERE COMES COVID 2.0 (RIGHT ON CUE)

  17. Donna Avatar
    Donna

    👀 Anybody here?

    🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

    🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

  18. Sargeant Avatar
    Sargeant

    Happy New Year to the BU community
    Count your blessings to have made it to the dawn of a New Year and hopefully good health will attend you for the rest of the year.

  19. John2 Avatar
    John2

    Healthy and happy 2025 to all BUers

  20. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    Personality of every year.

    https://barbadostoday.bb/2025/01/01/caricom-chairman-urges-unity-and-action-in-2025-to-tackle-global-challenges/

  21. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    Starting today.

    https://barbadostoday.bb/2025/01/01/year-long-we-gatherin-initiative-begins/

  22. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    de guvna.

  23. Pachamama Avatar
    Pachamama

    Note well, NB, why this governor of this CB would have been recognized for anything.

    Certainly, it’s never been here observed how he is even incrementally better or different than his predecesor in terms of being a net benefit to Barbados and the CB.

    Maybe his value lies within the knowung of the elites in the IMF. And both he and Mottley are joined at the hip in servitude to the IMF/World Bank.

    However, NB, Novalene Brewster, seems well-disposed to leading the PR role with her gregarious self at the head of the party line!

  24. Pachamama Avatar
    Pachamama

    On the anniversaries of both the Cuban Revolution 1959 and the Haitian Revolution 1904 only partying allowed!

  25. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    Caricom queen.

    https://nationnews.com/2025/01/02/mottley-to-focus-on-csme/

  26. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    This could be the theme song for “We gatherin”.

  27. David Avatar
    David

    There is a question to be asked, to what extent is7was BL&P plant aging and requiring proper maintenance at the time of Beryl which contributed to the number of disruption claims.

    .

    BL&P wants ease

    Company seeks exemption from penalties, various payments

    BARBADOS LIGHT & POWER Company Limited (BL& P) wants an ease.

    It is seeking a regulatory exemption from penalties, payment of customer compensation, or other sanctions which may result from the Hurricane Berylrelated disruption of electricity service that left 35 000 customers without power and the BL& P call centre receiving 15 000 daily calls during the restoration period.

    The Fair Trading Commission (FTC) announced in a January 17 notice from its general counsel and secretary Kevin Webster that via an August 21, 2024 application, BL& P was requesting a force majeure (unforeseen circumstances) exemption for specified standards of service under the commission’s decision on BL& P standards of service for the 2023 to 2025 period.

    The FTC has informed anyone who wants to comment that they have until January 31 to make written submissions.

    BL& P wants the force majeure exemption to be applicable to the July 1 to 14, 2024 period in relation to customer compensation for guaranteed standards of service targets for GES1: fault repair (customer’s service); GES2: fault repair (distribution system); GES3: voltage complaints; and GES6: connect or transfer of service.

    Compensation for customers is usually $45 (domestic), $90 general service, and $215 (secondary voltage power/large power) for each of these guaranteed service standards as a credit on customer bill.

    The company also wants an exemption under the overall standards of service targets for OES5: call centre answering. There is no compensation attached to the fulfilment of this service standard.

    BL& P outlined the grounds for its force majeure exemption request in the application signed by Adrian Carter, manager of regulatory affairs.

    “Even though our teams worked tirelessly to restore service to every customer that was affected, it was beyond BLPC’s reasonable control to restore all customers within the timeframe set within GES1 and GES2.

    “Additionally, on that day, BLPC received an inordinate amount of voltage complaints which would have warranted field visits by BLPC to investigate. However, in the circumstances, our teams were unable to complete all of the visits necessary to satisfy the requirements of GES3.

    “The resources normally dedicated to meet the requirements under GES6, had to be diverted to restore electricity to existing customers that were impacted by the hurricane and as a result this standard was not achieved.

    “Further, due to the particularly large volume of calls to our call centre by customers who were making service reports or enquiring about their electricity supply, this impacted the achievement of the target under OES5.”

    The utility explained that while the normal daily call volume averaged 500 prior to the weather system, this increased to 15 000 during the restoration period.

    “Approximately 35 000 customers were without electricity supply by the time the operational all-clear was given by the Department of Emergency Management at around 11 a.m. on 1, July 2024,” the application stated.

    “The technical assessment conducted following the issuance of the technical all clear, revealed the weather system caused significant damage to the distribution network in the form of downed and broken poles, broken crossarms and broken transmission and distribution lines.”

    Having dispatched its crews following its technical assessments to undertake the remedial work necessary to restore electricity to its customers, BL& P reported that “restoration was completed for approximately 30 300 of the 35 000 customers affected by 7 a.m. on 2, July 2024 and by the end of day 4, July 2024 all customers were fully restored”.

    The company said that “in the face of such an extraordinary weather system, we respectfully request an exemption from bearing any penalties, payment of compensation under the standards of service, or any other sanctions that may result from the disruption of our electricity service due to the passage of Hurricane Beryl on 1, July 2024”.

    In its December 21, 2022 standards of service decision, the FTC said the force majeure conditions under which the exemptions from standards of service may be granted included hurricanes and “any other natural disaster of overwhelming proportions”.

    BL& P said that its exemption application was “reasonable and should be granted”. This was because, based on the FTC’s December 2022 decision, Hurricane Beryl was a force majeure event. (SC)

    Source: Nation

  28. NorthernObserver Avatar
    NorthernObserver

    Beryl hit July 1. By August 21 the BL&P makes application, and it takes the FTC until Jan 17 to make this public? And gives to Jan 31 to make comments.
    Who at the FTC needs firing? Somebody(s) aren’t doing their job.

  29. David Avatar
    David

    It is probably fair to suggest that the BL&P has a good relationship with ‘government’ the idea being – who wants to destabilize the national grid?

    You can’t make this up.

  30. NorthernObserver Avatar
    NorthernObserver

    I guess based on public disclosure elsewhere we should consider ourselves lucky, this disclosure is made.
    It’s a slam dunk for force majeure as described. The FTC could approve and that’s it.

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